Name: Kelly Olynyk
Age: 22
Height: 7-foot
Position: Center
School/Country: Gonzaga
Latest Stats: 17.8 ppg, 7.3 rpg, 1.7 apg, 1.1 bpg
There aren’t many players in the 2013 NBA Draft class that helped their stock this past season like Gonzaga center Kelly Olynyk. The 7-foot All-American didn’t even play in 2011-12 and that came after back-to-back seasons in which he averaged less than six points per game. Fast forward to now however, and Olynyk is a likely lottery selection after averaging 17.8 points and 7.3 rebounds per game. Olynyk helped pace the Bulldogs to the AP No. 1 overall ranking and a No. 1 seed within the NCAA Tournament.
Olynyk is a legit 7-footer with a refined and polished offensive skill set. He is physical and is not afraid to take contact and finish alongside it. Olynyk can score and score in bunches. He has a high motor and could have the potential to break the top ten on draft night.
Strengths: Olynyk’s greatest strength is his size and physicality. There is no doubt that his offensive skills are that much better because of both factors. Olynyk can be a force down low and he will not be afraid to do the dirty work for one NBA franchise.
Weaknesses: There are some issues with Olynyk, mainly his age (22) and the fact that he was simply a one-year wonder this past season. Olynyk burst onto the college basketball scene in 2012-13, so the question remains — will he be able to do the same at the NBA level? That’s what remains to be seen and although Olynyk could be a productive player at the next level, you have to wonder just what his ceiling might be?
Draft Projection: Lottery Pick
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